Getting Your Unit Ready for Summer Camp at Goshen Scout Reservation
Summer camp at Goshen Scout Reservation is a highlight of the Scouting year and a successful week at camp starts well before your unit arrives. Thoughtful preparation helps Scouts get the most out of their experience, keeps parents informed, and makes the week smoother for unit leaders.
To help you get camp‑ready, the Goshen team has put together key reminders, best practices, and a recommended outline for hosting a Pre‑Camp Parent Meeting. We’ll also walk through what units attending Camp Bowman, Camp Marriott, and Camp Olmsted need to know to prepare for merit badge and activity sign‑ups, which open on March 31, 2026.
View the March 23, 2026 webinar recording here:
Download the slides from the webinar here: Pre-Camp Parent’s Meeting and Merit Badge Registration Webinar [PDF]
Why a Pre‑Camp Parent Meeting Matters
A pre‑camp parent meeting is one of the most valuable tools a unit can use to set expectations and prevent last‑minute confusion. Get a copy of our recommended outline for a Pre-Camp Parent Meeting at www.gotogoshen.org/forms and customize it for your unit.
Preparing for Merit Badge & Activity Sign Ups
For units attending Scouts BSA camps—Camp Bowman, Camp Marriott, and Camp Olmsted—advance preparation can avoid a last minute rush.
Key Date to Remember
Merit badge and activity sign ups open March 31, 2026 at 7:00pm.
To be ready:
- Share with your Scouts and families the Program Schedule for your camp and the Scouts BSA Program Guide for age requirements, recommendations, and any merit badge prerequisites (requirements to do ahead of time). Gather first and second choices for badges and activities.
- Make sure your Scouts are registered and have made the minimum payment.
- Decide your process: Will you manage the sign ups centrally through the Camp Coordinator or have families manage their Scout’s schedule through the Parent Portal feature?
Setting the Tone for a Great Summer
A little planning now makes a big difference later. By hosting a thoughtful pre‑camp parent meeting and preparing early for merit badge and activity selection, your unit will arrive at Goshen confident, informed, and ready for an unforgettable camp experience.
The Goshen team looks forward to welcoming you this summer and supporting your Scouts every step of the way. See you at camp!
Looking for more resources?
- Find all the resources we mention, including the Parent Meeting Outline, Leader Guides, Program and Prerequisite Guides, Program Schedules, Annual Health and Medical Record Forms, and Pre-Camp Swim Check Forms here: www.gotogoshen.org/forms
- Find a more in depth walkthrough of Merit Badge Registration here: www.gotogoshen.org/general/how-to-merit-badge-activity-sign-ups/
- Interested in using the Parent Portal feature? Get the Registration Contact walkthrough here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlAeFjtiTbI and the Parent walkthrough here: youtu.be/ukULS5EVyoU?si=pMaQkHYvNU3jZw6X
